Lionel Messi is named finalist for Major League Soccer Newcomer of the Year after his debut season with Inter Miami

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has officially been named as a finalist for Major League Soccer's newcomer of the year award.

It comes as Messi is also considered the favorite to win the Ballon d'Or Monday after leading Argentina to a World Cup trophy.

Giorgos Giakoumakis of Atlanta United and Eduard Löwen of St. Louis City SC are the other finalists for the MLS award, which the league defined as a player with previous professional experience who made his MLS debut in 2023. 

Messi took the soccer world by storm when he moved from PSG to MLS bottom-feeders Inter Miami during the summer.

After joining Miami, he went on to lead them to a shock victory in the inaugural MLS Leagues Cup.

Messi went on to record 11 goals and eight assists since putting on the pink and black uniform of Miami for the first-time back July. 

The 36-year-old recently squashed rumors that he would leave Miami on a short-term loan in order to either return to Europe or spend time in Saudi Arabia during the MLS offseason.

He also praised the team on his Instagram, saying he's 'proud' of what Miami accomplished.

'I am proud of everything the team accomplished this season,' he said on Instagram.

'With everyone's work and effort, we were able to win the Leagues Cup, achieving the first title in the history of Inter Miami CF, we reached the final of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and we were even fighting to get into the MLS playoffs practically until the last moment.

'We are left with all the good things and above all with the desire to improve to be even more competitive next year. I would like to thank all the people at the club and the city of Miami for the support they always give us. I am sure that we will continue to live incredible moments together as has happened in recent months.'